Prof. Kunle Macaulay challenges Pastor Kumuyi’s view on divine succession, urging structured leadership plans to avoid future church crises.
Professor Kunle Macaulay, President of the Association of Christian Theologians (ACTS), has voiced his disagreement with Pastor William Kumuyi’s recent statements on church leadership succession.
Pastor Kumuyi, General Superintendent of Deeper Life Bible Church, had stated that the choice of a church successor is a divine decision, not a human one. In a now-viral message titled “My Successor,” he likened the process to God appointing Joshua after Moses, urging church leaders to rely on God’s guidance rather than human planning.
However, Prof. Macaulay argued that this approach may not be suitable for today’s church. He emphasized a clear distinction between Old Testament Israel and the New Testament church, warning that neglecting structured succession planning could lead to leadership vacuums and organizational chaos.
“Christianity is a movement of God with His people, distinct from Judaism,” Macaulay said. “In the church today, mentoring and preparing successors is essential for continuity and growth.”
Citing examples from Nigerian church history, he recalled the crisis in the Celestial Church of Christ following the death of its founder, Rev. S.B.J. Oshoffa, in 1985, without a named successor. He also referenced the leadership transitions at Fountain of Life Church and Church of God Mission, both of which sparked debate and challenges.
Macaulay insisted that while the Holy Spirit should guide leadership decisions, practical steps like training, mentorship, and structured planning are critical. He called on Nigerian church leaders to organize leadership seminars and mentoring initiatives to prepare future leaders.
“Decades of loyalty and service should not be overlooked in the name of waiting for divine intervention,” he said. “The future of our churches depends on the quality of leadership we raise today.”
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